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Shoshoni teams have no problem with Riverside

Jan 31, 2014 - By Bruce Tippets, Sports Editor

A pair of victories over Riverside by the Shoshoni Wranglers basketball squads Thursday night were good tune-ups for their showdown against county rival Wind River.

In the girls game, the Wranglers dominated Riverside 59-19. Shoshoni's boys finished off Riverside 61-43. Both games were played in Shoshoni.

The SHS girls and boys have identical records at 8-9 overall.

"We prepared for both teams throughout the week," SHS coach Max Mills said. "Most of the week was focused on improving our skills and chemistry as a team. We understand how important Friday's game is, but we do not overlook any opponent."

The Wranglers host Wind River on Friday night in a pivotal conference game.

The Wind River boys are 1-3 in league play. Shoshoni is 0-4. Wind River won the first meeting between the two Fremont County schools.

"We are very excited to host Wind River," Slack said. "That type of atmosphere is why I coach. That is the fun of it. I think that there is going to be good crowd."

The SHS girls are 1-3 in conference play, and Wind River is 3-1.

"A win would go a long way to securing a spot in the regional tournament," Mills said.

Shoshoni boys 61, Riverside 43

"The young kids got a lot of time," Slack said. "We were able to work on everything that we put in for Wind River this week. We hustled, and it was a good game for us."

The Wranglers took command immediately.

"We need more games like that when we come out with more energy from the start," Slack said.

SHS had a comfortable lead of 10 points, and it allowed Slack to use some of underclassmen the rest of the way.

"It showed that we can come out with intensity to start a game," Slack said.

Riverside put on a soft press against the home team.

"Our guards did a very good job of handling the ball," Slack said. "Our guys moved well to help out."

Younger payers providing a lift off the bench were Anthony Cousineau, Patrick Cornell and Jason Thoren.

"They were probably the standouts of the younger crew," Slack said."They are starting to understand the program and where it's heading."

Brace Pingetzer topped SHS in scoring at 17 points.

SHS girls 59, Riverside 19

The Wranglers didn't waste any time, racing out to a big advantage over Riverside. Shoshoni was up 21-4 after the first period.

"We were consistent throughout the game with our offense," Mills said. "We did have some letdowns on defense a few times, but we were able to refocus and continue to make gains."

The Wrangler girls had three players in double figures.

"We had a great team effort, with different girls contributing points, rebounds, assists and most importantly on defense," Mills said.